Site Event/Activity record ECH6429 - Archaeological Evaluation at 83-89 Foregate Street, Chester

An Archaeological Evaluation was carried out at 83-89 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1HE. The evaluation was implemented because of the potential for archaeological remains on the site. The work was carried out by L-P: Archaeology. This report has been prepared by Rebecca Jones of L-P: Archaeology on behalf of CgMs. A Desk Based Assessment (ECH6335) concluded that there was a high potential for sub-surface remains dating from the Roman through to Post Medieval periods within the site. The objectives of the evaluation were to establish the degree of preservation of below ground remains, ensuring that any remains were identified, recorded and assessed in order to inform any further mitigation strategies. Four evaluation trenches were excavated to varying depths; 1 to the rear of the extant shops and 3 within the interior. Trench 4, in the car park area, recorded Post Medieval activity to a depth of 1.1m below ground level, with Roman deposits preserved below. The other three trenches were sealed by a CBM and concrete conglomerate, which on removal, exposed the preserved Roman deposits at c.0.4m below ground level. A single homogenous deposit containing a relatively large assemblage of Roman finds was recorded in Trench 1, a Post Medieval wall and a series of Roman deposits were recorded within Trench 2 and two potential pits were recorded within the limit of Trench 3. (1)